Non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery

ABSTRACT

A non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery has a positive electrode containing a positive electrode active material, a negative electrode containing a negative electrode active material, and a non-aqueous electrolyte. The positive electrode active material includes a lithium-nickel-manganese composite oxide having a hexagonal layered rock-salt structure that belongs to the space group R-3m, and contains lithium in 3b sites that contain transition metals. The lithium-nickel-manganese composite oxide is represented by the molecular formula Li[Li x Ni y Mn 2 M b ]O 2-a , where: 0.2&lt;x&lt;0.4, 0.12&lt;y&lt;0.5, 0.3&lt;z&lt;0.62, and 0≦a&lt;0.5; M is at least one of Mg, Al, Zr, Ti, Nb, W, and Mo; and variables x, y, z, and b satisfy the expressions x&gt;(1−2y)/3, ¼≦y/z≦1.0, 0&lt;b/(y+z)≦0.1, and 1.0≦x+y+z+b≦1.1.

This application is a divisional application of Ser. No. 13/067,095,filed May 6, 2011, Now U.S. Pat. No. 8,227,113, which is a divisionalapplication of Ser. No. 11/703,831, filed Feb. 8, 2007, now U.S. Pat.No. 7,955,734, which claims priority based on Japanese PatentApplication Nos. 2006-031166 and 2006-093957, filed Feb. 8, 2006, andMar. 30, 2006, respectively, and which are incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to non-aqueous electrolyte secondarybatteries that use as a positive electrode active material alithium-containing transition metal oxide containing nickel andmanganese as transition metals.

2. Description of Related Art

In recent years, development of HEVs (Hybrid Electric Vehicles), whichuse electric motors in conjunction with automobile gasoline engines, hasbeen in progress worldwide in order to resolve the environmental issuescaused by vehicle emissions. Nickel-hydrogen secondary batteries haveconventionally been used as power sources for the HEVs, but lithium-ionsecondary batteries have been expected to be applied as HEV powersources because of their higher voltage and capacity.

One of the important issues relating to a lithium-ion secondary batteryfor HEV applications is to reduce the costs. Lithium-ion secondarybatteries that have already been commercially available for power supplyapplications of portable electronic devices such as mobile telephones,camcorders, and notebook computers generally use a composite oxidecontaining Co as the positive electrode active material. However,because of cost considerations, positive electrode materials that do notcontain costly metal elements such as Co are desirable for thelarge-sized lithium-ion secondary batteries for HEVs. For HEVapplications, higher input power is preferable from the viewpoint ofsystem design particularly for the purpose of efficient batteryregeneration. Accordingly, a battery with low charge-discharge voltageis needed, and in addition, a battery that achieves a good balancebetween input power and output power is desirable. In particular, in HEVapplications, not all the capacity range of the battery is evenly usedbut the charge range in the vicinity of 50% SOC is mainly used.Therefore, the design requirements are that the battery should have lowcharge-discharge voltages in that range and exhibits a good balancebetween input power and output power. A problem with conventionally usedactive materials, such as lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO₂), lithium nickeloxide (LiNiO₂), lithium-manganese oxide (LiMn₂O₄), and Li—Ni—Co—Mncomposite oxide, is, however, that these materials cause the positiveelectrode potential to be high, and thus lead to high battery voltage,resulting in low input power. In view of such circumstances, a low-cost,low-voltage lithium-ion secondary battery designed to exhibit excellentpower characteristics is sought after for HEN applications.

In recent years, active materials that are made of only elements thatcan be obtained at relatively low cost, such as lithium-containingolivine-type phosphate and Ni—Mn-based composite oxide, have beeninvestigated widely as positive electrode to materials for lithium-ionsecondary batteries for HEV applications that can meet theabove-mentioned requirements. Among them, a Li(Li—Ni—Mn) composite oxidehaving a crystal structure that belongs to the space group R-3m andcontaining lithium at the transition metal site enables thecharge-discharge potential at 50% is SOC to be about 100 mV to 200 mVlower than those of the above-described positive electrode materialsthat have already been in commercial use, because lithium extractionfrom the 3b sites occurs during an initial charge at 4.45 V (vs. Li/Li⁺)or higher and, after this reaction, the capacity originating from theoxidation-reduction reaction of Mn³⁺/Mn⁴⁺ is obtained at 3.5 V (vs.Li/Li⁺) or lower. Because of these properties, the Li(Li—Ni—Mn)composite oxide has drawn attention as a promising positive electrodematerial that achieves high capacity and higher input power at low cost.(See, for example, U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2003/0108793A1).

Nevertheless, the Li(Li—Ni—Mn) composite oxide disclosed in thejust-mentioned publication shows a high irreversible capacity during theinitial charge, so the initial charge-discharge efficiency of thepositive electrode active material is poor. This necessitates excessiveuse of the negative electrode active material in the battery design,which leads to problems such as a low battery capacity and poor loadcharacteristics.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a non-aqueouselectrolyte secondary battery that uses, as its positive electrodeactive material, a lithium-transition metal composite oxide containingnickel and manganese as transition metals, such that the batteryachieves a good balance between input power and output power, exhibitsexcellent power characteristics, and moreover has a high initialcharge-discharge efficiency and a high discharge capacity.

The present invention provides a non-aqueous electrolyte secondarybattery comprising: a positive electrode containing a positive electrodeactive material; a negative electrode containing a negative electrodeactive material; and a non-aqueous electrolyte, wherein the positiveelectrode active material comprises a lithium-nickel-manganese compositeoxide having a hexagonal layered rock-salt structure that belongs to thespace group R-3m and containing lithium in 3b sites that containtransition metals, the lithium-nickel-manganese composite oxide beingrepresented by the molecular formula Li[(Li_(x)Ni_(y)Mn_(z)]O_(2-a)where: 0<x<0.4, 0.12<y<0.5, 0.3<z<0.62, and 0≦a<0.5; and the variablesx, y, and z satisfy the expressions x>(1−2y)/3, ¼≦y/z≦1.0, andx+y+z=1.0.

According to the present invention, the positive electrode activematerial comprises the lithium-nickel-manganese composite oxide having ahexagonal layered rock-salt structure that belongs to the space groupR-3m and containing lithium in the 3b sites that contain the transitionmetals, and the lithium-nickel-manganese composite oxide is representedby the molecular formula described above. The use of this positiveelectrode active material makes it possible to provide a non-aqueouselectrolyte secondary battery that achieves a good balance between inputpower and output power, exhibits excellent power characteristics, andmoreover has high initial charge-discharge efficiency and a highdischarge capacity.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a three-phase diagram illustrating the composition region ofLi—Ni—Mn in the lithium-nickel-manganese composite oxide according tothe present invention;

FIG. 2 is a graph illustrating the initial charge-discharge efficienciesof Examples according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a graph illustrating the discharge capacities of Examplesaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a graph illustrating the input/output power ratios of Examplesaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a graph illustrating the input I-V resistances of Examplesaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a graph illustrating the output I-V resistances of Examplesaccording to the present invention; and

FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating athree-electrode beaker cell.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery according to the presentinvention comprises a positive electrode containing a positive electrodeactive material, a negative electrode containing a negative electrodeactive material, and a non-aqueous electrolyte. The positive electrodeactive material comprises a lithium-nickel-manganese composite oxidehaving a hexagonal layered rock-salt structure that belongs to the spacegroup R-3m and containing lithium in 3b sites that contain transitionmetals. The lithium-nickel-manganese composite oxide is represented bythe molecular formula Li[Li_(x)Ni_(y)Mn_(z)]O_(2-a) where: 0<x<0.4,0.12<y<0.5, 0.3<z<0.62, and 0≦a<0.5; and the variables x, y, and zsatisfy the expressions x>(1−2y)/3, ¼≦y/z≦1.0, and x+y+z=1.0.

In the present invention, the lithium-nickel-manganese composite oxidecontaining lithium in 3b sites and being represented by theabove-specified compositional formula is used as the positive electrodeactive material. The use of such a lithium-nickel-manganese compositeoxide as the positive electrode active material makes it possible toprovide a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery that achieves a goodbalance between input power and output power, exhibits excellent powercharacteristics, and moreover has high initial charge-dischargeefficiency and a high discharge capacity.

In the lithium-nickel-manganese composite oxideLi[Li_(x)Ni_(y)Mn₂]O_(2-a) of the present invention, the variable x,which represents the amount of Li contained in the 3b sites containingthe transition metals, is within the range 0<x<0.4; the variable y,which represents the amount of Ni in the lithium-nickel-manganesecomposite oxide, is within the range 0.12<y<0.5; the variable z, whichrepresents the amount of Mn in the lithium-nickel-manganese compositeoxide, is within the range 0.3<z<0.62; the variable a, which representsthe amount of oxygen defects, is within the range 0≦a<0.5; and thevariables x, y, and z satisfy the expressions x>(1−2y)/3, ¼≦y/z≦1.0, andx+y+z=1.0. When the variables x, y, z, and a are within thejust-described ranges and the variables x, y, and z satisfy thejust-described expressions, the battery exhibits higher initialcharge-discharge efficiency and higher discharge capacity and achievesbetter regenerative power characteristics than batteries usingconventional lithium-nickel-manganese composite oxides.

In particular, it is preferable that the variables x, y, and z be withinthe following ranges 0.2<x<0.4, 0.3<y<0.4, 0.4<z<0.62, and ¼≦y/z≦½, fromthe viewpoint of increasing the amount of lithium that is extracted fromthe 3b sites during the initial charge and widening the redox region forMn^(4+/3+), so as to lower the charge-discharge potentials, for thepurpose of enhancing the regenerative power characteristics.

The lithium-nickel-manganese composite oxide of the present inventionmay further contain at least one metal element M having a valency offrom 2 to 6. Specifically, the lithium-nickel-manganese composite oxidemay further contain, for example, B, Mg, Al, Si, P, Ca, Sc, Ti, V, Cr,Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, Ga, Ge, As, Sr, Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, Tc, Ru, Rh, Pd, In, Sn,Sb, Te, Ba, a lanthanoide element, Hf, Ta, W, Re, Os, Ir, Pt, Pb, Bi,Ra, and an actinoid element. It is preferable that the mole ratio of theadded metal element M be 0.1 or less with respect to the transitionmetal elements contained in the transition metal sites 3b, and morepreferably from 0.001 to 0.05. Accordingly, in accordance with anotheraspect, the present invention provides a non-aqueous electrolytesecondary battery comprising a positive electrode containing a positiveelectrode active material, a negative electrode containing a negativeelectrode active material, and a non-aqueous electrolyte, wherein thepositive electrode active material comprises a lithium-nickel-manganesecomposite oxide having a hexagonal layered rock-salt structure thatbelongs to the space group R-3m and containing lithium in the 3b sitescontaining transition metals, the lithium-nickel-manganese compositeoxide being represented by the molecular formulaLi[Li_(x)Ni_(y)Mn_(z)M_(b)]O_(2-a) where: 0<x<0.4, 0.12<y<0.5,0.3<z<0.62, and 0≦a<0.5; M is at least at least one metal element havinga valency of from 2 to 6; and the variables x, y, z, and b satisfy theexpressions x>(1−2y)/3, ¼≦y/z≦1.0, 0<b/(y+z)≦0.1, and 1.0≦x+y+z+b≦1.1.

It is particularly preferable that the metal element M in the molecularformula be at least one element selected from the group consisting ofMg, Al, Zr, Ti, Nb, W, and Mo.

In the lithium-nickel-manganese composite oxide having a hexagonallayered rock-salt structure that belongs to the space group R-3m andcontaining lithium in 3b sites that contain transition metals, and beingrepresented by the molecular formula Li[Li_(x)Ni_(y)Mn₂]O_(2-a)according to the present invention, it is preferable that the amount oflithium in the 3b sites be determined using an x-ray diffractionanalysis or a neutron diffraction analysis. In this case, theadvantageous effects of the present invention can be obtained also whenthe crystal structure belongs to P3₁12, other than R-3m, since Meng andothers advocate that Mn surrounds Li when Li occupies the 3b site andreported that the space group is restored at P3, 12 from R-3m (Y. S.Meng, G. Ceder, C. P. Grey, W. S. Yoon and Y. Shao-Horn, Electrochem.and Solid-State Lett., Volume 7, Issue 6, previously presented.A155-A158 (2004)).

In the non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery of the presentinvention, it is preferable that the capacity ratio of the negativeelectrode to the positive electrode (negative electrode chargecapacity/positive electrode charge capacity) is 1.0 or greater when thebattery is charged until the potential of the positive electrode reaches4.45 V (vs. Li/Li⁺ or higher, and more preferably, the capacity ratio iswithin the range of from 1.0 to 1.2. That is, it is preferable that thenon-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery of the present invention becharged until the potential of the positive electrode reaches 4.45 V(vs. Li/Li⁺) or higher when used. Therefore, when a carbon material suchas graphite is used as the negative electrode active material, it ispreferable that the end-of-charge voltage of the battery be set at 4.35V or higher. It is more preferable that the battery be charged until thepotential of the positive electrode reaches 4.45 V to 4.80 V (vs.Li/Li⁺). Accordingly, when a carbon material is used as the negativeelectrode active material, it is preferable that the end-of-chargevoltage be set at a voltage of from 4.35 V to 4.70 V.

In the present invention, the solute of the non-aqueous electrolyte maybe any lithium salt that is generally used as a solute in non-aqueouselectrolyte secondary batteries. Examples of the lithium salt includeLiPF₆, LiBF₄, LiCF₃SO₃, LiN(CF₃SO₂)₂, LiN(C₂F₅SO₂)₂, LiN(CF₃SO₂)(C₄F₉SO₂), LiC(CF₃SO₂)₃, LiC(C₂F₅SO₂)₃, LiAsF₆, LiClO₄, Li₂B₁₀Cl₁₀,Li₂B₁₂Cl₁₂, and mixtures thereof. In addition to these salts, thenon-aqueous electrolyte may contain a lithium salt having an oxalatocomplex as anions, and more preferably, the non-aqueous electrolyte maycontain lithium-bis(oxalato)borate.

The solvent of the non-aqueous electrolyte used in the present inventionmay be any solvent that has conventionally been used as a solvent for anelectrolyte in non-aqueous electrolyte secondary batteries. Examples ofthe solvent include: cyclic carbonates, such as ethylene carbonate,propylene carbonate, butylene carbonate, and vinylene carbonate; andchain carbonates, such as dimethyl carbonate, methylethyl carbonate, anddiethyl carbonate. Particularly preferable is a mixed solvent of acyclic carbonate and a chain carbonate.

Although the negative electrode active material is not particularlylimited in the present invention, it is preferable that the negativeelectrode active material be a carbon material in which the lithiumintercalation and deintercalation associated with charge-dischargeoperations are reversibly performed.

EXAMPLES

Hereinbelow, the present invention is described in further detail basedon examples thereof. It should be understood, however, that the presentinvention is not limited to the following examples but various changesand modifications are possible without departing from the scope of theinvention.

Example 1 Preparation of Positive Electrode Active Material

A Li(LiNiMn)O₂ composite oxide was prepared in the following manner. A1M sodium hydroxide solution was added to an aqueous solution of 0.5Mnickel acetate and 1.0M manganese acetate so that hydroxides of Ni andMn were coprecipitated, to obtain a composite hydroxide of Ni and Mn.Using the composite hydroxide thus obtained, Li₂CO₃ and the Ni—Mncomposite hydroxide were mixed so that the mole ratio of the elementsLi:Ni:Mn became 1.20:0.27:0.53. The resultant mixture was pre-sinteredin an air atmosphere at 500° C. for 10 hours and thereafter sintered at1000° C. for 20 hours, to thus obtain the Li(LiNiMn)O₂ composite oxide.The resultant Li(LiNiMn)O₂ composite oxide had a composition ofLi[Li_(0.20)Ni_(0.27)Mn_(0.53)]O₂.

Preparation of Positive Electrode

A positive electrode was prepared in the following manner. The positiveelectrode active material prepared in the just-described manner wasmixed with acetylene black as a conductive agent and anN-methyl-2-pyrrolidone solution in which polyvinylidene fluoride as abinder agent was dissolved so that the weight ratio of the positiveelectrode active material and the conductive agent and the binder agentbecame 90:5:5, and the mixture was then kneaded to prepare a positiveelectrode slurry. The resultant slurry was applied onto an aluminum foilserving as a current collector and thereafter dried. Thereafter, theresultant material was pressure-rolled using pressure rollers, and acurrent collector tab was attached thereto, whereby the positiveelectrode was prepared.

Preparation of Electrolyte Solution

An electrolyte solution was prepared in the following manner. LiPF₆ as asolute was dissolved in a solvent of a 3:3:4 volume ratio mixture ofethylene carbonate (EC), methyl ethyl carbonate (MEC), and dimethylcarbonate (DMC) at a concentration of 1 mole/liter, and 1 weight % ofvinylene carbonate (VC) was further dissolved therein as a surface-filmforming agent.

Preparation of Three-electrode Beaker Cell

Using the positive electrode and the electrolyte solution prepared inthe above-described manner, a three-electrode beaker cell as illustratedin FIG. 7 was prepared in a glove box under an argon atmosphere. Asillustrated in FIG. 7, an electrolyte solution 4 was filled in thebeaker, and a working electrode 1, a counter electrode 2, and areference electrode 3 were put in the electrolyte solution 4. Theforegoing positive electrode was used as the working electrode 1, andmetallic lithium was used for the counter electrode 2 and the referenceelectrode 3 to prepare the cell 1.

Charge-Discharge Test

At room temperature, the cell was charged at 1 mA to 4.6 V (vs. Li/Li⁺),then rested for 10 minutes, and thereafter discharged at 1 mA to 2.0 V(vs. Li/Li⁺). The charge-discharge efficiency in this cycle was definedas the initial charge-discharge efficiency, and the measurements of theinitial charge-discharge efficiency and the discharge capacity wereobtained.

I-V Resistance Measurement Test

The input I-V resistance of the cell was determined by the followingtest.

-   -   1) 1 mA charge (10 seconds)→rest (5 minutes)→1 mA discharge (10        seconds)→rest (5 minutes)    -   2) 5 mA charge (10 seconds)→rest (5 minutes)→1 mA discharge (50        seconds)→rest (5 minutes)    -   3) 10 mA charge (10 seconds)→rest (5 minutes)→1 mA discharge        (100 seconds)→rest (5 minutes)    -   4) 20 mA charge (10 seconds)→rest (5 minutes)→1 mA discharge        (200 seconds)→rest (5 minutes)

The above charge-discharge tests 1) to 4) were conducted sequentially atroom temperature. The potential of the cell was measured 10 secondsafter each of the charging operations. I-V resistance was determinedfrom the slope of the measured potential values versus the currentvalues, and open circuit potential (OCP) was found from the intercepts.

From the obtained I-V resistance and OCP, an input power value wascalculated using the following equation.Input power(W)=(4300−OCP)/I-V resistance×4300

The output I-V resistance was determined by the following test.

-   -   1) 1 mA discharge (10 seconds)→rest (5 minutes)→1 mA charge (10        seconds)→rest (5 minutes)    -   2) 5 mA discharge (10 seconds)→rest (5 minutes)→1 mA charge (50        seconds)→rest (5 minutes)    -   3) 10 mA discharge (10 seconds)→rest (5 minutes)→1 mA charge        (100 seconds)→rest (5 minutes)    -   4) 20 mA discharge (10 seconds)→rest (5 minutes)→1 mA charge        (200 seconds)→rest (5 minutes)

The above charge-discharge tests 1) to 4) were conducted sequentially atroom temperature. The potential of the cell was measured 10 secondsafter each of the charging operations. The I-V resistance was determinedfrom the slope of the measured potential values versus the currentvalues, and the OCP was found from the intercepts.

From the obtained I-V resistance and OCP, an output power value wascalculated using the following equation.Output power(W)=(OCP−2000)/I-V resistance×2000

Using the charge and output power values calculated from the aboveequations, an input/output power ratio of the cell was calculatedaccording to the following equation.Input/output power ratio=Input power/Output power

Example 2

A positive electrode active material was prepared in a similar manner tothat described in Example 1, except that the Li₂CO₃ and the Ni—Mncomposite hydroxide were mixed so that the mole ratio of the elementsLi:Ni:Mn became 1.30:0.35:0.35, and thus,Li[Li_(0.30)Ni_(0.35)Mn_(0.35)]O₂ was obtained. Subsequently, using thepositive electrode active material thus prepared, a three-electrodebeaker cell 2 was fabricated in the same manner as described in Example1, and using the resultant cell, the charge-discharge tests wereconducted to obtain test results.

Example 3

A positive electrode active material was prepared in a similar manner tothat described in Example 1, except that the Li₂CO₃ and the Ni—Mncomposite hydroxide were mixed so that the mole ratio of the elementsLi:Ni:Mn became 1.30:0.30:0.40; and thus,Li[Li_(0.30)Ni_(0.30)Mn_(0.40)]O₂ was obtained. Subsequently, using thepositive electrode active material thus prepared, a three-electrodebeaker cell 3 was fabricated in the same manner as described in Example1, and using the resultant cell, the charge-discharge tests wereconducted to obtain test results.

Example 4

A positive electrode active material was prepared in a similar manner tothat described in Example 1, except that the Li₂CO₃ and the Ni—Mncomposite hydroxide were mixed so that the mole ratio of the elementsLi:Ni:Mn became 1.30:0.23:0.47, and thus,Li[Li_(0.30)Ni_(0.23)Mn^(0.47)]O₂ was obtained. Subsequently, using thepositive electrode active material thus prepared, a three-electrodebeaker cell 4 was fabricated in the same manner as described in Example1, and using the resultant cell, the charge-discharge tests wereconducted to obtain test results.

Example 5

A positive electrode active material was prepared in a similar manner tothat described in Example 1, except that the Li₂CO₃ and the Ni—Mncomposite hydroxide were mixed so that the mole ratio of the elementsLi:Ni:Mn became 1.30:0.18:0.52, and thus,Li[Li_(0.30)Ni_(0.18)Mn_(0.52)]O₂ was obtained. Subsequently, using thepositive electrode active material thus prepared, a three-electrodebeaker cell 5 was fabricated in the same manner as described in Example1, and using the resultant cell, the charge-discharge tests wereconducted to obtain test results.

Example 6

A positive electrode active material was prepared in a similar manner tothat described in Example 1, except that the Li₂CO₃ and the Ni—Mncomposite hydroxide were mixed so that the mole ratio of the elementsLi:Ni:Mn became 1.30:0.14:0.56, and thus,Li[Li_(0.30)Ni_(0.14)Mn_(0.56)]O₂ was obtained. Subsequently, using thepositive electrode active material thus prepared, a three-electrodebeaker cell 6 was fabricated in the same manner as described in Example1, and using the resultant cell, the charge-discharge tests wereconducted to obtain test results.

Example 7

A positive electrode active material was prepared in a similar manner tothat described in Example 1, except that Li₂CO₃, the Ni—Mn compositehydroxide, and 4MgCO₃.Mg(OH)₂.5H₂O were mixed so that the mole ratio ofthe elements Li:Ni:Mn:Mg became 1.3:0.23:0.47:0.0035, and thus,Li[Li_(0.30)Ni_(0.23)Mn_(0.47)Mg_(0.0035)]O₂ was obtained. Subsequently,using the positive electrode active material thus prepared, athree-electrode beaker cell 7 was fabricated in the same manner asdescribed in Example 1, and using the resultant cell, thecharge-discharge tests were conducted to obtain test results.

Example 8

A positive electrode active material was prepared in a similar manner tothat described in Example 1, except that Li₂CO₃, the Ni—Mn compositehydroxide, and 4MgCO₃.Mg(OH)₂.5H₂O were mixed so that the mole ratio ofthe elements Li:Ni:Mn:Mg became 1.3:0.23:0.47:0.007, and thus,Li[Li_(0.30)Ni_(0.23)Mn_(0.47)Mg_(0.007)]O₂ was obtained. Subsequently,using the positive electrode active material thus prepared, athree-electrode beaker cell 8 was fabricated in the same manner asdescribed in Example 1, and using the resultant cell, thecharge-discharge tests were conducted to obtain test results.

Example 9

A positive electrode active material was prepared in a similar manner tothat described in Example 1, except that Li₂CO₃, the Ni—Mn compositehydroxide, and 4MgCO₃.Mg(OH)₂.5H₂O were mixed so that the mole ratio ofthe elements Li:Ni:Mn:Mg became 1.3:0.23:0.47:0.014, and thus,Li[Li_(0.30)Ni_(0.23)Mn_(0.47)Mg_(0.014)]O₂ was obtained. Subsequently,using the positive electrode active material thus prepared, athree-electrode beaker cell 9 was fabricated in the same manner asdescribed in Example 1, and using the resultant cell, thecharge-discharge tests were conducted to obtain test results.

Example 10

A positive electrode active material was prepared in a similar manner tothat described in Example 1, except that Li₂CO₃, the Ni—Mn compositehydroxide, and Al(OH)₃ were mixed so that the mole ratio of the elementsLi:Ni:Mn:Al became 1.3:0.23:0.47:0.0035, and thus,Li[Li_(0.30)Ni_(0.23)Mn_(0.47)Al_(0.0035)]O₂ was obtained. Subsequently,using the positive electrode active material thus prepared, athree-electrode beaker cell 10 was fabricated in the same manner asdescribed in Example 1, and using the resultant cell, thecharge-discharge tests were conducted to obtain test results.

Example 11

A positive electrode active material was prepared in a similar manner tothat described in Example 1, except that Li₂CO₃, the Ni—Mn compositehydroxide, and Al(OH)₃ were mixed so that the mole ratio of the elementsLi:Ni:Mn:Al became 1.3:0.23:0.47:0.007, and thus,Li[Li_(0.30)Ni_(0.23)Mn_(0.47)Al_(0.007)]O₂ was obtained. Subsequently,using the positive electrode active material thus prepared, athree-electrode beaker cell 11 was fabricated in the same manner asdescribed in Example 1, and using the resultant cell, thecharge-discharge tests were conducted to obtain test results.

Example 12

A positive electrode active material was prepared in a similar manner tothat described in Example 1, except that Li₂CO₃, the Ni—Mn compositehydroxide, and Al(OH)₃ were mixed so that the mole ratio of the elementsLi:Ni:Mn:Al became 1.3:0.23:0.47:0.014, and thus,Li[Li_(0.30)Ni_(0.23)M_(0.47)Al_(0.014)]O₂ was obtained. Subsequently,using the positive electrode active material thus prepared, athree-electrode beaker cell 12 was fabricated in the same manner asdescribed in Example 1, and using the resultant cell, thecharge-discharge tests were conducted to obtain test results.

Example 13

A positive electrode active material was prepared in a similar manner tothat described in Example 1, except that Li₂CO₃, the Ni—Mn compositehydroxide, and ZrO₂ were mixed so that the mole ratio of the elementsLi:Ni:Mn:Zr became 1.3:0.23:0.47:0.0035, and thus,Li[Li_(0.30)Ni_(0.23)Mn_(0.47)Zr_(0.0035])O₂ was obtained. Subsequently,using the positive electrode active material thus prepared, athree-electrode beaker cell 13 was fabricated in the same manner asdescribed in Example 1, and using the resultant cell, thecharge-discharge tests were conducted to obtain test results.

Example 14

A positive electrode active material was prepared in a similar manner tothat described in Example 1, except that Li₂CO₃, the Ni—Mn compositehydroxide, and ZrO₂ were mixed so that the mole ratio of the elementsLi:Ni:Mn:Zr became 1.3:0.23:0.47:0.007, and thus,Li[Li_(0.30)Ni_(0.23)Mn_(0.47)Zr_(0.007)]O₂ was obtained. Subsequently,using the positive electrode active material thus prepared, athree-electrode beaker cell 14 was fabricated in the same manner asdescribed in Example 1, and using the resultant cell, thecharge-discharge tests were conducted to obtain test results.

Example 15

A positive electrode active material was prepared in a similar manner tothat described in Example 1, except that Li₂CO₃, the Ni—Mn compositehydroxide, and ZrO₂ were mixed so that the mole ratio of the elementsLi:Ni:Mn:Zr became 1.3:0.23:0.47:0.014, and thus,Li[Li_(0.30)Ni_(0.23)Mn_(0.47)Zr_(0.014)]O₂ was obtained. Subsequently,using the positive electrode active material thus prepared, athree-electrode beaker cell 15 was fabricated in the same manner asdescribed in Example 1, and using the resultant cell, thecharge-discharge tests were conducted to obtain test results.

Example 16

A positive electrode active material was prepared in a similar manner tothat described in Example 1, except that Li₂CO₃, the Ni—Mn compositehydroxide, and TiO₂ were mixed so that the mole ratio of the elementsLi:Ni:Mn:Ti became 1.3:0.23:0.47:0.0035, and thus,Li[Li_(0.30)Ni_(0.23)Mn_(0.47)Ti_(0.0035)]O₂ was obtained. Subsequently,using the positive electrode active material thus prepared, athree-electrode beaker cell 16 was fabricated in the same manner asdescribed in Example 1, and using the resultant cell, thecharge-discharge tests were conducted to obtain test results.

Example 17

A positive electrode active material was prepared in a similar manner tothat described in Example 1, except that Li₂CO₃, the Ni—Mn compositehydroxide, and TiO₂ were mixed so that the mole ratio of the elementsLi:Ni:Mn:Ti became 1.3:0.23:0.47:0.007, and thus,Li[Li_(0.30)Ni_(0.23)Mn_(0.47)Ti_(0.007)]O₂ was obtained. Subsequently,using the positive electrode active material thus prepared, athree-electrode beaker cell 17 was fabricated in the same manner asdescribed in Example 1, and using the resultant cell, thecharge-discharge tests were conducted to obtain test results.

Example 18

A positive electrode active material was prepared in a similar manner tothat described in Example 1, except that Li₂CO₃, the Ni—Mn compositehydroxide, and TiO₂ were mixed so that the mole ratio of the elementsLi:Ni:Mn:Ti became 1.3:0.23:0.47:0.014, and thus,Li[Li_(0.30)Ni_(0.23)Mn_(0.47)Ti_(0.014)]O₂ was obtained. Subsequently,using the positive electrode active material thus prepared, athree-electrode beaker cell 18 was fabricated in the same manner asdescribed in Example 1, and using the resultant cell, thecharge-discharge tests were conducted to obtain test results.

Example 19

A positive electrode active material was prepared in a similar manner tothat described in Example 1, except that Li₂CO₃, the Ni—Mn compositehydroxide, and Nb₂O₅ were mixed so that the mole ratio of the elementsLi:Ni:Mn:Nb became 1.3:0.23:0.47:0.0035, and thus,Li[Li_(0.30)Ni_(0.23)Mn_(0.47)Nb_(0.0035)]O₂ was obtained. Subsequently,using the positive electrode active material thus prepared, athree-electrode beaker cell 19 was fabricated in the same manner asdescribed in Example 1, and using the resultant cell, thecharge-discharge tests were conducted to obtain test results.

Example 20

A positive electrode active material was prepared in a similar manner tothat described in Example 1, except that Li₂CO₃, the Ni—Mn compositehydroxide, and Nb₂O₅ were mixed so that the mole ratio of the elementsLi:Ni:Mn:Nb became 1.3:0.23:0.47:0.007, and thus,Li[Li_(0.30)Ni_(0.23)Mn_(0.47)Nb_(0.007)]O₂ was obtained. Subsequently,using the positive electrode active material thus prepared, athree-electrode beaker cell 20 xwas fabricated in the same manner asdescribed in Example 1, and using the resultant cell, thecharge-discharge tests were conducted to obtain test results.

Example 21

A positive electrode active material was prepared in a similar manner tothat described in Example 1, except that Li₂CO₃, the Ni—Mn compositehydroxide, and Nb₂O₅ were mixed so that the mole ratio of the elementsLi:Ni:Mn:Nb became 1.3:0.23:0.47:0.014, and thus,Li[Li_(0.30)Ni_(0.23)Mn_(0.47)Nb_(0.014)]O₂ was obtained. Subsequently,using the positive electrode active material thus prepared, athree-electrode beaker cell 21 was fabricated in the same manner asdescribed in Example 1, and using the resultant cell, thecharge-discharge tests were conducted to obtain test results.

Example 22

A positive electrode active material was prepared in a similar manner tothat described in Example 1, except that Li₂CO₃, the Ni—Mn compositehydroxide, and WO₃ were mixed so that the mole ratio of the elementsLi:Ni:Mn:W became 1.3:0.23:0.47:0.0035, and thus,Li[Li_(0.30)Ni_(0.23)Mn_(0.47)W_(0.0035)]O₂ was obtained. Subsequently,using the positive electrode active material thus prepared, athree-electrode beaker cell 22 was fabricated in the same manner asdescribed in Example 1, and using the resultant cell, thecharge-discharge tests were conducted to obtain test results.

Example 23

A positive electrode active material was prepared in a similar manner tothat described in Example 1, except that Li₂CO₃, the Ni—Mn compositehydroxide, and WO₃ were mixed so that the mole ratio of the elementsLi:Ni:Mn:W became 1.3:0.23:0.47:0.007, and thus,Li[Li_(0.30)Ni_(0.23)Mn_(0.47)W_(0.007)]O₂ was obtained. Subsequently,using the positive electrode active material thus prepared, athree-electrode beaker cell 23 was fabricated in the same manner asdescribed in Example 1, and using the resultant cell, thecharge-discharge tests were conducted to obtain test results.

Example 24

A positive electrode active material was prepared in a similar manner tothat described in Example 1, except that Li₂CO₃, the Ni—Mn compositehydroxide, and WO₃ were mixed so that the mole ratio of the elementsLi:Ni:Mn:W became 1.3:0.23:0.47:0.014, and thus,Li[Li_(0.30)Ni_(0.23)Mn_(0.47)W_(0.014)]O₂ was obtained. Subsequently,using the positive electrode active material thus prepared, athree-electrode beaker cell 24 was fabricated in the same manner asdescribed in Example 1, and using the resultant cell, thecharge-discharge tests were conducted to obtain test results.

Example 25

A positive electrode active material was prepared in a similar manner tothat described in Example 1, except that Li₂CO₃, the Ni—Mn compositehydroxide, and MoO₃ were mixed so that the mole ratio of the elementsLi:Ni:Mn:Mo became 1.3:0.23:0.47:0.0035, and thus,Li[Li_(0.30)Ni_(0.23)Mn_(0.47)Mo_(0.0035)]O₂ was obtained. Subsequently,using the positive electrode active material thus prepared, athree-electrode beaker cell 25 was fabricated in the same manner asdescribed in Example 1, and using the resultant cell, thecharge-discharge tests were conducted to obtain test results.

Example 26

A positive electrode active material was prepared in a similar manner tothat described in Example 1, except that Li₂CO₃, the Ni—Mn compositehydroxide, and MoO₃ were mixed so that the mole ratio of the elementsLi:Ni:Mn:Mo became 1.3:0.23:0.47:0.007, and thus,Li[Li_(0.30)Ni_(0.23)Mn_(0.47)Mo_(0.007)]O₂ was obtained. Subsequently,using the positive electrode active material thus prepared, athree-electrode beaker cell 26 was fabricated in the same manner asdescribed in Example 1, and using the resultant cell, thecharge-discharge tests were conducted to obtain test results.

Example 27

A positive electrode active material was prepared in a similar manner tothat described in Example 1, except that Li₂CO₃, the Ni—Mn compositehydroxide, and MoO₃ were mixed so that the mole ratio of the elementsLi:Ni:Mn:Mo became 1.3:0.23:0.47:0.014, and thus,Li[Li_(0.30)Ni_(0.23)Mn_(0.47)Mo_(0.014)]O₂ was obtained. Subsequently,using the positive electrode active material thus prepared, athree-electrode beaker cell 27 was fabricated in the same manner asdescribed in Example 1, and using the resultant cell, thecharge-discharge tests were conducted to obtain test results.

Comparative Example 1

A positive electrode active material was prepared in a similar manner tothat described in Example 1, except that the Li₂CO₃ and the Ni—Mncomposite hydroxide were mixed so that the mole ratio of the elementsLi:Ni:Mn became 1.40:0.20:0.40, and thus,Li[Li_(0.40)Ni_(0.20)Mn_(0.40)]O₂ was obtained. Subsequently, using thepositive electrode active material thus prepared, a three-electrodebeaker cell A was fabricated in the same manner as described in Example1, and using the resultant cell, the charge-discharge tests wereconducted to obtain test results.

Comparative Example 2

A positive electrode active material was prepared in a similar manner tothat described in Example 1, except that the Li₂CO₃ and the Ni—Mncomposite hydroxide were mixed so that the mole ratio of the elementsLi:Ni:Mn became 1.40:0.15:0.45, and thus,Li[Li_(0.40)Ni_(0.15)Mn_(0.45)]O₂ was obtained. Subsequently, using thepositive electrode active material thus prepared, a three-electrodebeaker cell B was fabricated in the same manner as described in Example1, and using the resultant cell, the charge-discharge tests wereconducted to obtain test results.

Comparative Example 3

A positive electrode active material was prepared in a similar manner tothat described in Example 1, except that the Li₂CO₃ and the Ni—Mncomposite hydroxide were mixed so that the mole ratio of the elementsLi:Ni:Mn became 1.00:0.50:0.50, and thus, Li[Ni_(0.50)Mn_(0.50)]O₂ wasobtained. Subsequently, using the positive electrode active materialthus prepared, a three-electrode beaker cell C was fabricated in thesame manner as described in Example 1, and using the resultant cell, thecharge-discharge tests were conducted to obtain test results.

Comparative Example 4

A positive electrode active material was prepared in a similar manner tothat described in Example 1, except that the Li₂CO₃ and the Ni—Mncomposite hydroxide were mixed so that the mole ratio of the elementsLi:Ni:Mn became 1.07:0.40:0.53, and thus,Li[Li_(0.07)Ni_(0.40)Mn_(0.53)]O₂ was obtained. Subsequently, using thepositive electrode active material thus prepared, a three-electrodebeaker cell D was fabricated in the same manner as described in Example1, and using the resultant cell, the charge-discharge tests wereconducted to obtain test results.

The results of the initial charge-discharge efficiency measurements anddischarge capacity measurements for the cells 1-6 of Examples 1-6 andthe cells A-D of Comparative Examples 1-4 are shown in Table 1 below.

The results of the input I-V resistance, output I-V resistance, andinput/output power ratio measurements for the cell 4 of Example 4 andthe cells 7-27 of Examples 7-27 are shown in Table 2 below.

The initial charge-discharge efficiencies of the cells 1-6 as well asthe cells A, B, and D are shown in FIG. 2, and the discharge capacitiesof the cells 1-6 and the cells A-D are shown in FIG. 3, respectively.

TABLE 1 Initial charge- discharge Discharge efficiency capacity CellComposition (%) (mAh/g) Ex. 1 1 Li[Li_(0.20)Ni_(0.27)Mn_(0.53)]O₂ 72.19205.52 Ex. 2 2 Li[Li_(0.30)Ni_(0.35)Mn_(0.35)]O₂ 73.09 184.40 Ex. 3 3Li[Li_(0.30)Ni_(0.30)Mn_(0.40)]O₂ 73.14 190.43 Ex. 4 4Li[Li_(0.30)Ni_(0.23)Mn_(0.47)]O₂ 61.29 195.72 Ex. 5 5Li[Li_(0.30)Ni_(0.18)Mn_(0.52)]O₂ 62.52 201.08 Ex. 6 6Li[Li_(0.30)Ni_(0.14)Mn_(0.56)]O₂ 61.92 194.11 Comp. Ex. 1 ALi[Li_(0.40)Ni_(0.20)Mn_(0.40)]O₂ 47.93 107.77 Comp. Ex. 2 BLi[Li_(0.40)Ni_(0.15)Mn_(0.45)]O₂ 54.43 150.62 Comp. Ex. 3 CLi[Ni_(0.50)Mn_(0.50)]O₂ 81.13 161.65 Comp. Ex. 4 DLi[Li_(0.07)Ni_(0.40)Mn_(0.53)]O₂ 59.53 182.67

TABLE 2 Amount Input/ added Input I-V Output I-V output Added (mol.resistance resistance power Cell element %) (Ω) (Ω) ratio Ex. 4 4 none 07.84 8.61 0.495 Ex. 7 7 Mg 0.5 9.31 10.75 0.719 Ex. 8 8 1.0 7.21 7.800.639 Ex. 9 9 2.0 8.57 9.82 0.672 Ex. 10 10 Al 0.5 8.60 9.56 0.672 Ex.11 11 1.0 8.80 9.80 0.681 Ex. 12 12 2.0 11.8 13.6 0.687 Ex. 13 13 Zr 0.57.12 7.77 0.689 Ex. 14 14 1.0 7.52 8.13 0.662 Ex. 15 15 2.0 8.13 8.640.624 Ex. 16 16 Ti 0.5 7.04 7.72 0.666 Ex. 17 17 1.0 7.16 7.68 0.653 Ex.18 18 2.0 6.49 6.74 0.603 Ex. 19 19 Nb 0.5 7.21 7.89 0.699 Ex. 20 20 1.05.71 5.85 0.609 Ex. 21 21 2.0 6.28 6.62 0.679 Ex. 22 22 W 0.5 7.10 8.040.736 Ex. 23 23 1.0 5.60 5.83 0.677 Ex. 24 24 2.0 5.29 5.32 0.633 Ex. 2525 Mo 0.5 6.34 6.57 0.646 Ex. 26 26 1.0 8.71 9.78 0.765 Ex. 27 27 2.05.74 5.85 0.624

The results shown in Table 1 and FIGS. 2 and 3 clearly demonstrate thatthe cells 1-6 of Examples 1-6, each of which employed thelithium-nickel-manganese composite oxide having a composition accordingto the present invention as the positive electrode active material,achieved superior initial charge-discharge efficiencies and dischargecapacities than the cells A-D of Comparative Examples 1-4.

FIG. 1 shows a Li—Ni—Mn three-phase diagram illustrating thelithium-nickel-manganese composite oxides of the cells 1-6 of Examples1-6 as well as the cells A-D of Comparative Examples 1-4. Thelithium-nickel-manganese composite oxide of the present invention has acomposition defined by the region bounded by the four straight linesx=0.4, x=(1−2y)/3, y/z=¼, and y/z=1/1 (not including any compositionthat falls on the lines x=0.4 and x=(1−2y)/3).

By comparing the Example cells 1-6 with the Comparative Example cell D,which uses the conventional lithium-nickel-manganese composite oxidereported in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0108793A1, ithas been shown that the initial charge-discharge efficiency and thedischarge capacity are improved by the compositions in which the amountx of lithium contained in the 3b sites that contain transition metals isgreater than (1−2y)/3, in other words, under the condition x>(1−2y)/3.

Moreover, by comparing the Example cells 1-6 with the ComparativeExample cells A and B, in which the amount x of the lithium is 0.4, ithas been shown that the initial charge-discharge efficiency and thedischarge capacity are poor when the amount of the lithium is 0.4.Therefore, according to the present invention, it has been shown thatthe amount x of Li in the 3b sites that contain the transition metalsshould be less than 0.4.

Furthermore, as is clear from the comparison between the cells 1 to 6 ofExamples and the cell C of Comparative Example, it has been shown thatthe effect of improving the discharge capacity as achieved by thepresent invention cannot be obtained when Li is not contained in the 3bsites that contain the transition metals.

In the present invention, the advantageous effect is especially evidentwhen utilizing the capacity range of Mn^(4+/3+) after the lithiumextraction from the 3b sites. Accordingly, it is more advantageous whenthe amount z of Mn is larger than the amount y of Ni. Nevertheless, ifthe amount of Mn is too large, irreversible capacity increases, and theinitial charge-discharge efficiency reduces. Therefore, it is preferablethat the ratio y/z of Ni/Mn be less than 1 but greater than ¼.

As clearly seen from the results shown in Table 2 and FIG. 4, the cells7-27 of Examples 7-27 according to the present invention, each of whichuses as the positive electrode active material alithium-nickel-manganese composite oxide that contains at least onemetal element having a valency of from 2 to 6, exhibit input/outputpower ratios that are closer to 1 than the input/output power ratio ofthe cell 4 of Example 4, which does not contain the additive metalelement. Thus, the cells 7-27 of Examples 7-27 provide improvements inthe balance between input power and output power.

Moreover, as clearly seen from the results shown in Table 2 and FIGS. 5and 6, the cells 13-27 of Examples 13-27, each of which uses as thepositive electrode active material a lithium-nickel-manganese compositeoxide that contains at least one metal element having a valency of from4 to 6, exhibit considerably lower input I-V resistances and output I-Vresistances than that of the cell 4 of Example 4, which does not containthe additive metal element and than those of the cells 7-12 of Examples7-12, which contain at least one metal element having a valency of from2 to 3.

It is believed that the reason why the use of the above-specifiedlithium-nickel-manganese composite oxide according to the presentinvention achieves excellent initial charge-discharge efficiency anddischarge capacity is as follows, although the details are not yetclear. It is believed that, in each of the conventionallithium-nickel-manganese composite oxidesxLi[Ni_(0.5)Mn_(0.5)]O₂+(1−x)Li₂MnO₃ andLi[Li_((1-2y)/3)NixMn_((2-x)/3)])₂, the valencies of the Ni and the Mnin a completely discharged state are exclusively 2 and 4, respectively,and almost no oxygen holes are present. In the composition of thepresent invention, for example, in the case ofLi[Li_(0.30)Ni_(0.30)Mn_(0.40)]O₂ of the cell 3, it is understood thatelectroneutrality cannot be maintained if the valencies of Ni and Mn are2 and 4, respectively. Even if Ni is oxidized to a valency of 3,electroneutrality is not reached. Also, it is not believed that thevalency of Mn is in an oxidation state higher than a valency of 4 at 4.6V (vs. Li/Li⁺ in the initial charge. Accordingly, electroneutrality ismaintained because of oxygen defects even before the battery issubjected to the initial charge, and as a result, the electrochemicalirreversible capacity produced during the initial charge is small. It isbelieved that the initial charge-discharge efficiency is improved inthis way. Also, the reason why the discharge capacity becomes higherthan that of the conventional active materials at that time is believedto be as follows, although the details are not yet clear. Since thelithium-nickel-manganese composite oxide of the invention contains Liexcessively, the extraction of Li from the 3a sites is easier than theconventional composition xLi[Ni_(0.5)Mn_(0.5)]O₂+(1−x) Li₂MnO₃ that isrepresented as a solid solution of Li[Ni_(0.5)Mn_(0.5)]O₂ and Li₂MnO₃,and as a result, a larger capacity of Mn^(4+/3+) can be obtained at adischarge process after the initial charging.

It is believed that the reason why the power balance between input powerand output power is improved according to the present invention byadding at least one metal element having a valency of from 2 to 6 to theabove-specified lithium-nickel-manganese composite oxide is as follows,although the details are not yet clear. In order to improve the powerbalance between input power and output power, it is necessary to reducethe OCP. In order to reduce the OCP at 50% SOC with thelithium-nickel-manganese composite oxide of the present invention, thecapacity of Mn^(4+/3+) produced through the extraction of lithium fromthe 3b sites during the initial charge should be increased relative tothe total capacity. It is believed that the added metal elementaccording to the present invention exists without being involved in thecharge-discharge processes, but the presence of such a metal element inthe vicinity of the nickel and manganese, which are involved incharge-discharge processes, is believed to influence the electronicstate. For example, when a metal element having a valency of 3 is addedto the lithium-nickel-manganese composite oxide, the valency of thenickel, which is believed to have been 2 in a discharged state, isshifted to a valency greater than 2 due to the influence from the nearbymetal element whereas the valency of the manganese, which is believed tohave been 4 in a discharged state, is shifted to a valency lower than 4.As a result, the proportion of the capacity originating from the redoxreaction of the nickel reduces, and on the contrary, the proportion ofthe capacity originating from the redox reaction of the manganeseincreases. Consequently, the OCP reduces. On the other hand, when ametal element having a valency of 6 is added to thelithium-nickel-manganese composite oxide, the valency of the nickel isincreased to a valency higher than 2 due to the influence from thenearby metal element, and the valency of the manganese is also increasedto a valency higher than 4. Nevertheless, in the charge-dischargereactions of the present invention, it is believed that the manganesedoes not undergo an oxidized reaction such as to shift its valency from4 to 5, and it is not involved in the charge-discharge processes. As aresult, only the capacity of the nickel reduces, and the relativeproportion of the capacity of the manganese increases with respect tothe total capacity. It is believed that, by these processes, theaddition of the metal element(s) to the lithium-nickel-manganesecomposite oxide serves to reduce the OCP and to improve the powerbalance between input power and output power.

In addition, it is believed that the reason why the input I-V resistanceand the output I-V resistance are reduced by adding, according to thepresent invention, at least one metal element having a valency of from 4to 6 to the above-specified lithium-nickel-manganese composite oxide isas follows, although the details are not yet clear. It is highly likelythat such a metal element having a valency of 4 or greater is presentoutside the crystal lattice because the metal element is not easilysubstituted for the nickel or manganese in the crystal. Accordingly, itis believed that the addition of such an element having a valency of 4or greater inhibits the crystal growth during the calcining, so thecrystallite size tends to be small. As a result, the diffusion oflithium inside the active material that is associated withcharge-discharge reactions becomes easier, and consequently the I-Vresistances reduce.

As has been described, the use of the Li(LiNiMn)O₂ composite oxidehaving a prescribed composition according to the present invention asthe positive electrode active material makes it possible to improve theinitial charge-discharge efficiency and discharge capacity and thus toprovide a battery that exhibits excellent regenerative powercharacteristics.

Only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the presentinvention. To those skilled in the art, however, it will be apparentfrom the foregoing disclosure that various changes and modifications canbe made herein without departing from the scope of the invention asdefined in the appended claims. Furthermore, the foregoing descriptionof the embodiments according to the present invention is provided forillustration only, and is not intended to limit the invention as definedby the appended claims and their equivalents.

This application claims priority of Japanese Patent Application Nos.2006-031166 and 2006-093957 filed Feb. 8, 2006 and Mar. 30, 2006,respectively, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

What is claimed is:
 1. A non-aqueous electrolyte secondary batterycomprising: a positive electrode containing a positive electrode activematerial; a negative electrode containing a negative electrode activematerial; and a non-aqueous electrolyte, wherein the positive electrodeactive material comprises a lithium-nickel-manganese composite oxidehaving a hexagonal layered rock-salt structure that belongs to the spacegroup R-3m and containing lithium in 3b sites that contain transitionmetals, the lithium-nickel-manganese composite oxide being representedby the molecular formula Li[Li_(x)Ni_(y)Mn_(z)M_(b)]O_(2-a) where:0.2<x<0.4, 0.12<y<0.5, 0.3<z<0.62, and 0≦a<0.5; M is at least one metalelement having a valency of from 2 to 6; and the variables x, y, z, andb satisfy the expressions x>(1−2y)/3, ¼≦y/z≦1.0, 0<b/(y+z)≦0.1, and1.0≦x+y+z+b≦1.1.
 2. The non-aqueous electrolyte secondary batteryaccording to claim 1, wherein the capacity ratio of the negativeelectrode to the positive electrode (negative electrode chargecapacity/positive electrode charge capacity) is 1.0 or greater when thebattery is charged until the potential of the positive electrode reaches4.45 V (vs. Li/Li⁺) or higher.